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Jaguars DE Mincey not the same force from 2011

Most league observers agreed that the Jaguars made the right decision this past offseason by re-signing DE Jeremy Mincey, who was coming off a career year in which he registered eight sacks and four forced fumbles. The necessity to bring back Mincey, though, was as much about Jacksonville’s lack of other pass-rush options as it was about Mincey being a special talent.

Few players around the league leave it all on the field like Mincey, who gets much of his production on second effort because his motor is so fantastic. However, that sterling effort takes players only so far, and Mincey is not wreaking as much havoc as he did last season.

Word is Mincey is getting forced inside too much, where he can get washed out before getting into the backfield. He also has not been as stout against the run — a major strength for a player who seldom came off the field a season ago.

Making matters worse, Mincey’s frustration clearly boiled over in the Week Five loss to the Bears, when he was flagged for an obvious late hit on QB Jay Cutler on a 4th-and-1 play that helped Chicago continue a long and deflating scoring drive to begin the second half of a 3-3 game. The ensuing field goal coupled with an interception return for touchdown on the Jaguars' next drive opened the floodgates, as Jacksonville was embarrassed 41-3.

There is no question Mincey needs more help; Jacksonville has a league-worst three sacks through five games, with only one of those coming from defensive ends. A number of injuries early in the season also have contributed to Mincey being asked to play nearly every snap.

Nonetheless, 13 tackles and zero sacks to begin the season is hardly the return on investment the Jaguars envisioned when they swooped in at the last minute to lure Mincey away from the Bears and back to Jacksonville with a four-year deal including $9 million in guaranteed money.